Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the KTT Wine Red present two compelling yet distinct options for avid typists and gamers alike. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and balanced linear typing experience, effortlessly blending a light touch with a solid bottom-out feel, all while featuring generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium, smooth typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches invite users into a world of deep, rich acoustic pleasure; their pillowy light feel combined with a satisfyingly bassy sound profile creates an immersive typing atmosphere that many find irresistible. While both switches share the linear characteristics that promote smooth keystrokes, they cater to different tactile preferences and auditory experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the KTT Wine Red, we observe distinct characteristics that influence their typing experience and acoustic profiles. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 features a POK top housing, which is known for its durability and low friction coefficient of 0.04. This results in a smooth operation and a robust feel, as POK is 14 times more wear-resistant than POM and significantly impacts the switch's overall longevity. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This stiffer material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate clarity and resonance in their typing experience. While both materials excel in their domains—smooth operation versus clear sound—their properties lead to different tactile and auditory experiences during use.
The bottom housings of the two switches present another point of contrast. The Matcha Latte V2 employs a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for its sound absorption qualities, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This feature makes it particularly appealing for users seeking a warmer and rounder typing sound. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red also integrates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, leading to a more vibrant sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate results in a clearer and crisper sound, aligning with the auditory preferences of users who favor a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Therefore, while both switches use polycarbonate for the KTT Wine Red, the Matcha Latte V2 leverages nylon's softer characteristics, showcasing how different materials can markedly influence the feel and sound of a switch.
Ultimately, the interplay of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall user experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in switch design. In the case of the Huano Matcha Latte V2, the combination of smooth POK and sound-absorbing nylon produces a unique typing experience with a focus on durability and subtle sound. Meanwhile, the KTT Wine Red pairs its polycarbonate top and bottom housing for a consistent, high-pitched resonance that emphasizes clarity. Users who appreciate a varied experience may find that choosing a combination of housing materials allows them to tailor their typing sensations. Despite their differences, enthusiasts can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their preferences for sound and feel, showcasing how well-chosen materials can lead to diverse yet appealing results.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find some interesting distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the KTT Wine Red is slightly lighter at 44 grams. This indicates that the Wine Red switch might be more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to its marginally lower actuation force, which could lead to less finger fatigue. However, the Matcha Latte V2 does not provide a bottom out force, making it difficult to assess its overall feedback upon fully depressing the key. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer feeling when pressing the key to its maximum depth. Consequently, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the KTT Wine Red may be more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force, while the lighter actuation of the Matcha Latte could cater to those seeking reduced strain during extended use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Wine Red switch provides a more traditional feel, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the Matcha Latte is the shorter option, offering a more responsive experience, while the Wine Red's longer distance caters to those who prefer a more hearty and deliberate keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is generally characterized as subtle and more neutral, allowing for a quieter typing experience, which some users may prefer for a less disruptive environment. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red linear switch delivers a deeper, richer sound profile that is both bassy and low-pitched, providing a more resonant auditory feedback during key presses. This results in a distinct auditory experience that can evoke a sense of warmth and depth when typing, making it a more dynamic choice for those who enjoy auditory engagement in their mechanical keyboard experience.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a smooth and light typing experience coupled with a solid bottom-out sensation that enhances overall comfort and performance. Its generous factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble contribute to an almost effortless actuation, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a pillowy light feel that is softer and more cushioned, contributing to a pleasant typing experience that encourages longer sessions without discomfort. Though both switches provide a satisfying linear response, they cater to different tactile preferences, ensuring that users can select based on what they find more enjoyable.
In conclusion, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Matcha Latte V2 is favored for its subtle and smooth typing experience paired with a quieter sound profile, while the Wine Red switches excel in providing a richer auditory experience along with a pillowy touch. Both switches maintain high-quality performance, making them excellent choices for anyone venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, but it’s the specifics of sound and feel that will guide your decision based on your individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and desired auditory experience. If you’re seeking a smoother, more refined typing experience with a subtle yet satisfying feel, the Matcha Latte V2 may be the better option for you. Its design features generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for users who value that premium performance without needing excessive force during key presses. However, if you lean towards a slightly heavier, more tactile experience that still provides smoothness, the Wine Red could be your switch of choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force pairs well with its pillowy feel and deep, bassy sound profile, creating an inviting and rich auditory typing experience that many find very satisfying. Thus, consider what aspects are most important to you—lightness and smoothness with the Matcha Latte V2 or that deeper sound and slightly more tactile resistance with the Wine Red—as this will guide you in making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.